This is the End (2013)

Fantastical, raunchy, and utterly insane. “This is the End” crosses over multiple genres and does so with an infinite supply of humour, sentiment, and flare. While you can expect the downright nasty and over-the-top hilarity that comes when you trap these funny, vaguely immature guys in the same room. You might also want to prepare for an abundance of heart-stopping moments and excessive, albeit comical, gore. With a plethora of high-profile cameos and a seemingly never-ending chain of body-aching laughs, that more often than not stem from stupidity and selfishness. “This is the End” is a brilliant showcase of the top-dogs in comedy and really magnifies the genre’s constant stream of disappointments. Thank heavens these guys can take a joke just as well as they give them. “This is the End” is everything you think it is, and surprisingly, so much more.

Jay Baruchel arrives in Los Angeles to spend the weekend with his old friend Seth Rogen. After getting high and hanging out all afternoon together, Seth invites Jay to James Franco’s home for a housewarming party. Afraid that Seth will ditch him at the party, Jay is very distant and unfriendly. Later on in the night, the two walk to a nearby convenience store to buy cigarettes. While rummaging through the candy and beverages, beams of blue light break through the ceiling and carry patrons into the sky. The two rush back to James’s house through the carnage and chaos that awaited them outside. When a series of unsavoury events take place soon after, the party-goers come to the realization that the apocalypse is upon them.

After the atrocious entries for “comedy of the summer” such as “The Hangover: Part 3” and “The Internship” universally and predictably failed in all their incessant and unnecessary glory, and with nothing scheduled to blow any serious smoke. “This is the End” as of the moment, is easily in the lead and front-runner to win the title outright. Obviously the restricted rating limits its financial success as it excludes a majority of the immature, loud-mouthed youth, which just so happens to be the target audience. Regardless, “This is the End” should create enough critical and box-office success to be one of the best films of the summer. Besides Guillermo del Toro’s “Pacific Rim,” “This is the End” has the potential to be the sleeper hit of the summer. With its spiritual premise, quirky cliches, and nasty, unrelenting humour. “This is the End” is that rare breed who’s staying-power is truly unlimited.

Yes, you may be able to predict a good chunk of the jokes before-hand and of course there is a substantial amount of vulgarity and sexual references, both abusive and consensual. Nonetheless, “This is the End” has a few tricks up its sleeve and part of its unforeseen effectiveness stems from its unpredictable nature. “This is the End” has a story that has been tread and retread time and time again. What makes this go-around unique is unprecedented sappiness and a heartwarming core. Through all the punch-lines down in the muck, surprisingly, there are moments of sheer joy and meaning which truly separates “This is the End” from the pack. Aside from its demented comedic taste and chummy sweetness, “This is the End” offers up a few genuine scares and brilliant CGI work, something no one expected from this buddy-comedy under the influence.

Written and directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. “This is the End” also stars James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, and Jay Baruchel. Now, there is no question that this group of guys know their way around a joke and how to create an endless supply of quote-worthy dialogue. Still, it is always a nice change-of-pace to see them break out the dramatic chops. Franco, without question is the most accomplished of the cast, yet plays the least grounded and sensible character. McBride and Robinson, easily the most underrated of the group, finally get another chance to showcase their talents. Rogen and Baruchel, the films two leads, form a brilliant duo who need to make amends before the apocalypse takes their lives. As for Jonah Hill, whom I love, I’ll put it this way. He is the one you least want to make it out alive.

Performed with outstanding charisma and hilarious circumstances, “This is the End” isn’t your typical doomsday flick.

They’re just not my type of humor. I have never been a big fan of “obnoxious humor”. I am more of a fan of sly and subtle humor (well and farts). Like – there is a short in the fuse of the windshield wipers in my truck, so they just go off randomly as I drive down the street. I find that very funny.

Seth Rogen and Danny McBride screaming about their boners is not funny to me.

I don’t remember why, I think I got dragged to it, but I remember seeing Your Highness and laughing like an immature moron. I think it is Danny McBride, I find him hilarious and he is hardly in anything. Plus, you know, James Franco is awesome. That film will stay as my dirty little secret ;).

Very solid review but I gotta say, this cast is enough to die me far, far away! It seems like every comedy Hollywood pumps out has to be raunchy. If you don’t like that you’re out of luck. I’m definitely out of luck!

Thank you! That’s too bad you’re not a fan, but I definitely understand where you are coming fun. The raunchy bit gets really old, really fast. For me, I don’t watch a lot of comedies, so I guess that’s why it is rather fresh and fun. However, like you I do enjoy more modest and intelligent humour. Hopefully one day we won’t be so out of luck, as you so brilliantly put it ;).

Those were some of my initial thoughts as well. However, after it received some positive reviews I decided to check it out and I’m glad I did. Really funny and extremely entertaining. If you like this group of guys I highly recommend it. Thanks for reading!